NOTE: HCJB World Radio, the world’s first missions broadcasting organization, aired its first program on Dec. 25, 1931 – 75 years ago. While adhering to its original mandate to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ via radio, the ministry continues to adapt with new technologies and services to meet the needs of people all over the world. For more information - or to schedule interview - please contact us. 

Contact: Judy Hannestad, 701-484-5028, judy@inchristcommunications.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Dec. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- After years of satellite and shortwave broadcasting into the North Africa/Middle East Region, HCJB World Radio recently had the opportunity to show God’s love through its healthcare ministry, responding to the aftermath of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Even as the world’s attention was focused on Lebanon’s political struggles, an HCJB World Radio medical team of six women – five from Ecuador and one from England – found serious medical and spiritual needs in Lebanon when there for two weeks to help alleviate the widespread suffering. In the short medical response trip, the team saw approximately 500 people and provided hope to many more.

HCJB World Radio responded to the need of a partner organization on the ground that asked for non-North America, female doctors. The team was well-positioned to connect with other women and the children still suffering from the violence of war.

“We met people who had lost family members in the war, patients who had suffered hearing loss due to the bombs dropped, and some patient’s homes had been damaged or destroyed,” said Sheila, international health coordinator for HCJB World Radio, whose last name could not be revealed for security reasons.

“One day an airplane passed over, very high in the sky, but sheer terror overtook the children, who up to that point had been friendly and happy. They looked terrified,” she continued. “It was a shock to us to see the effect of war on these young lives.”

Reuters recently reported that up to 1 million unexploded cluster bombs are still located in Lebanon. At least 22 civilians have been killed and 135 injured by accidentally setting off bombs and landmines since the war ended August 14.

Some 60,000 landmines and cluster bombs had been deactivated since the war—more than were deactivated in Kosovo in a three-year period.

”I feel we were bridge builders as we served in this difficult place,” Sheila added.
“Due to the war, most of the people in the surrounding villages had evacuated, including all healthcare personnel. The people who were left behind, as well as the ones who returned early, found themselves with no healthcare, because local health centers were deserted and some had been destroyed.”

Dr. Susan, one of the Ecuadorian physicians, said, “We believe this trip planted a seed to bring people hope. There was a language barrier, but through our behavior, our care, our medical attention, the people saw us and the hope we brought.”

Dr. Stephanie added, “With each person we gave medical attention, we prayed for them. Nobody rejected that. They accepted us. They were very open with us, to the point where some of them said to us, ‘thank you for bringing the light’ in their own language.”

HCJB World Radio’s missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers use media, healthcare and education to work with partners in more than 100 countries around the world to spread the gospel in languages people can understand. Lives are transformed, so that people are engaged in the growing church, making an impact on their communities as they are empowered to use media and healthcare tools. The ministry, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.